Dover community rallies to clean up downtown

DOVER — A sense of community along with the chance to meet new people and catch up with old friends brought hundreds out to downtown Dover on a dreary Saturday.

Dover Main Street, a nonprofit group, organized volunteers for its annual Dover Pride/Clean Up Day.

“We had a long winter, so we want to sweep up all the sand and pick up twigs and leaves,” said Norm Fracassa, who owns Fracassa Designworks of Dover, and helps lead volunteers in the clean up. “The second half of the morning is installing mulch. We have 100 yards of mulch for the 14 locations.”

The clean up day is one of many events hosted by Dover Main Street, according to the president of the group, Michelle Gilmore. Volunteers gathered at areas such as city hall, the library, Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Park and other parks.

Longtime residents, newcomers and children were among those sweeping dirt, laying mulch and bagging trash.

“We're fortunate in Dover to have an active and viable downtown unlike a lot of communities,” said Jim Munro, who moved to the downtown area in December. “Keeping it clean and looking good is part of it.”

Members of Dover's police and fire departments also helped in the cleanup. Many brought their families to participate.

“We do this every year. It's good for team-building,” said Dover Police Chief Anthony Colarusso, who had a rake in his hand while volunteering near the train station. “It's fun. I wish the weather was better to make it a little easier, but it's only water.”

“By being part of the community, it's important for us to do our part to help,” said police Capt. Dave Terlemezian. “It helps people get to know a different side of us outside of the law enforcement context. It's nice to see a good turnout.”

Emily Carroll of Dover brought her two children — Clair, 13, and Patrick, 8, to help at the train station.

“It's one of our favorite times of the year because we get to participate in a community event,” said Carroll. “We love it. (The kids) really get into it. They like the idea of getting things done together and then they see the work that's been done. It's beautiful. We like to come back throughout the year and check it out to see how it's holding up.”

Carroll's daughter agreed.

“I don't come (to the train station) a lot, but I like to see that it looks really cool,” said Clair. “I like the color of the flowers that are here.”

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.